Saturday, June 21, 2008

For those interested in what social scientists have learned about changing values and beliefs in 80 countries around the world over the last 25 years, the World Values Survey provides a wealth of information. Based on data from four "waves" of surveys representing the demographics and views of participants in 1981-1984, 1985-1993, 1994-1999, and 2000-2004, the web site describes the findings and the changes that have occurred in human values, life perceptions and expectations, and national identity across generations and with increased economic development. The web site presents the work of the World Values Survey Association, a nonprofit global network of social scientists. Much of the data, summarized in the "Findings" section of the website, is presented in charts and maps, including a cultural map of the world.

Friday, June 20, 2008

There are times when I just cannot find the right word beyond the good all purpose "meow". When that happens, I go to Thesaurus.com . Using this site has improved my writing and helped me to become a more erudite feline.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Palindromes are words or sentences that read the same way both backward and forward. The famous line attributed to Napoleon, “Able was I ere I saw Elba”, and “A man, a plan, a canal, Panama”, are fairly well-known examples. Many more odd and intriguing instances of these linguistic peculiarities are available at this site.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Did you know that June 12 was Loving Day? Loving Day is an educational community project commemorating Loving v. Virginia (1967), the landmark Supreme Court decision that banned restrictions on interracial marriage. Although it's too late to join in on the Loving Day Celebrations, it's not too late to learn about the Supreme Court decision. The Loving Day web site has a map showing where and when interracial marriages were illegal (it looks like it was never illegal in New York); a list of court cases dealing with the regulation of interracial marriage; and a resources page.

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